Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, April 15 – Board selects new superintendent, recognizes staff achievements, approves classified and licensed pay scales

New superintendent approved
Staff recognition
School representatives
Board member comments
Student academic fees
Classified and licensed pay scales

By Harriet Halbig

**Above**: At the April 15 Lewis-Palmer School District 38 Board of Education meeting, the board announced its new
superintendent, Dr. Stacie Datteri. Datteri comes from Greeley-Weld County School District 6, where she served as assistant superintendent of Academic Achievement and Elementary, K-8 Leadership. She has 21 years of administrative experience and 29 years of experience in the field of education. Pictured are D38 Board President Tiffiney Upchurch, left, and Datteri. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

On April 15, the Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education approved the selection of a new superintendent, approved classified and licensed pay schedules, and recognized two employees for their achievements.

New superintendent approved

Following a nationwide search and including major input from community members, the Board of Education approved the selection of Dr. Stacie Datteri as the next superintendent for the district.

Datteri comes to District 38 from Greeley, where she currently serves as assistant superintendent of Academic Achievement and Elementary K-8 Leadership for Greeley-Evans School District in Weld County School District 6. She has 21 years of administrative experience and 29 years of experience in education.

Board President Tiffiney Upchurch commented that the selection process was rigorous and that she was impressed at the level of community participation throughout. She stressed that all voices were heard equally and the input from the community helped the board to determine who would be the best fit for the community.

Upchurch also congratulated the two district employees who were finalists for the position.

Datteri commented that she was grateful for the opportunity to serve and is thinking about what she can bring to the table to continue the district’s legacy of high achievement. She said she will work through the district’s strategic plan.

The board approved the appointment unanimously, subject to contract approval.

Datteri will begin her tenure on July 1.

Staff recognition

The board recognized Chief Business Officer Brett Ridgway for his efforts in drafting and seeing to the governor’s signature Senate Bill 24-017.

In the past, funding for the district arrived at an uneven rate, coming primarily during the months of March, May, and June when taxes came into the state. During that time, the district had to withhold $8 million to cover payroll and other expenses in January and February.

Funding will now arrive throughout the school year, making it possible to spend the $8 million previously withheld as early as July.

Board Treasurer Ron Schwarz commented that this bill’s passage was an unusual case of putting community needs above partisan politics.

Upchurch recognized district lobbyist Amy Atwood for her contributions to the bill’s success.

Upchurch then recognized Director of Communications Mark Belcher. Acting Superintendent Amber Whetstine thanked him for his guidance and professionalism and said that he was proactive, positive, and always prepared.

Upchurch said that he worked tirelessly on weekends and snow days to keep the community informed. She praised his ability to craft messages for all audiences.

School representatives

Schwarz introduced Rhett and Kenna from Palmer Ridge High School. Each month two high school representatives attend board meetings and report on school activities.

They are welcome to ask questions and participate in discussion but do not have a vote as they are not elected members of the board.

Board member comments

Schwarz thanked members of the district staff for their efforts during the superintendent search, and he thanked Walt Cooper for his assistance in the process. He said that the district has selected the right candidate for the job.

Board Secretary Dr. Patti Shank said she was very impressed by the selection process. She said that one hears of contentious boards and politicization of board activities, and she is grateful that the D38 board works so well together. They listen to each other and do what is best for the community, she said.

Upchurch commented that Monument Academy has a new CEO. She thanked Deputy Wheat, School Resource Officer of Lewis-Palmer High School, and wished him well as he is promoted to sergeant.

She said that Monument Academy will have its first graduating class this year.

In addition to Senate bill 24-017, Upchurch said there are bills still under discussion at the capitol and encouraged individuals to participate in the legislative process. Some involve local control.

Student academic fees

Ridgway presented a list of proposed academic fees for the 2024-25 school year. These fees include consumable items such as art supplies and workbooks, equipment maintenance, and other expenses. Sports fees were not explained because they involve a more restricted number of students.

In answer to a question, Ridgway said that students who qualify for free or reduced lunch can apply for aid in paying fees. He also said that individuals could donate funds to cover some fees.

Ridgway said the revenue from fees, including those for athletic participation, is around $2 million per year.

In response to a question from Upchurch, Ridgway agreed that this could be an opportunity to seek sponsorships for these fees.

The board approved the list of academic fees for the 2024-25 school year. To see a complete list of fees, please to go lewispalmer.org, board of education, boarddocs and select the meeting date.

Classified and licensed pay scales

Ridgway explained his continuing efforts to revamp pay scales for classified and licensed staff.

This is an ongoing effort, and Ridgway said he includes increases of a lower percentage for those earning more and a higher percentage for those earning less.

Classified employees include all “regular” employees who are paid by the hour and not salaried. This includes clerical staff, transportation, food service, and grounds and maintenance staff. The new minimum wage for classified employees is $17.50 per hour. The state changes this figure in January and this increase is proactive so that the district does not need to change the budget mid-year.

He said that since last month, it appears that the School Finance Act will include an additional $25 in per pupil operating revenue (PPOR) than was expected. This could potentially make it possible to offer a 6% average increase in compensation instead of the previously estimated 5.85%

The board approved the pay scales for classified and licensed staff.

In other financial areas, Ridgway said the Parent and Community Advisory Committee is being asked for their spending priorities and the Financial Transparency Committee continues to meet and discuss such matters. Both will report at the May meeting of the board.

When asked whether the district is considering self-insuring to avoid rising costs in insurance, Ridgway said that is under consideration.

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The Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education usually meets at 6 p.m. on the third Monday of the month at its learning center, 146 Jefferson St., Monument. The next meeting will be on May 20. For information, contact vwood@lewispalmer.org.

Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbig@ocn.me.